Joe Pitts Center for Public Policy
For more than 125 years, Asbury University has sent graduates into all walks of life, including politics. However, the University has played only a distant, indirect role in civic matters, occasionally providing the campus and Central Kentucky community with panel discussions or other events to provide informed commentary on local, state or national public policy.
The establishment of a repository in Asbury’s Kinlaw Library for Representative Joe Pitts’ congressional papers — which is tied to Asbury’s externally funded Joe Pitts Center for Public Policy — will provide an opportunity to expand the University’s civic engagement. Such an expansion is linked to the institution’s new five-year strategic plan and will bolster its academic program in Political Science.
Primary Areas of Focus
- Human Trafficking
- Humanitarian Relief
- Civic Engagement
- Cultural Renewal
- Preparation for Public Service
- Religious Freedom (domestic and international)
Initiatives
Speakers Series: Current and former political or government officials, leaders of NGOs and academics will gather on campus once per semester to address developments relevant to the Center’s agenda.
Pitts Impact Scholars: Scholarships of $2,500 will be provided for Asbury Political Science majors to prepare them for involvement in public policy and for significant professional careers of service and impact.
Washington Leadership Intensive: This intensive course will send Pitts Impact Scholars and other select students for a two-and-a-half-week trip to Washington, D.C. and surrounding historical sites.
Annual Pitts Symposium and Scholarly Monograph: Regional scholars will gather annually for a one- or two-day symposium. Monographs of selected presentations will be distributed and made available on the Center’s website.
Pitts Center Personnel and Website Support: This initiative will create and maintain a high-quality website (asbury.edu/pittscenter), serving as a resource for publications, podcasts and streaming events.
Anticipated Budget
| Speakers Series | $35,000 |
| Pitts Impact Scholars | $55,000 |
| Washington Leadership Intensive | $55,000 |
| Pitts Symposium and Monograph | $55,000 |
| Personnel and Website | $60,000 |
| TOTAL | $260,000 |
Support the legacy of Rep. Joe Pitts today!
Please fill out the giving form below. You may also contact a development professional if you or your organization is interested in fully sponsoring one of the above initiatives at (859) 858-3511, x2136.